A Purpose Driven Marriage Podcast

In this eye-opening episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we explore the emotionally charged and often misunderstood topic of gaslighting. Is it happening in your marriage? Could you be unintentionally gaslighting your spouse? Or are you the one being gaslit? Join us as we break down what gaslighting really is, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to respond in a way that builds trust and restores emotional safety. What You’ll Learn: What gaslighting is (and what it isn’t) Common phrases that may indicate gaslighting How to know if you’re being gaslit How to recognize if you might be gaslighting Practical steps to stop gaslighting behaviors What to do if you're experiencing gaslighting Why accountability and validation are crucial to healing If this episode hit home, take a moment to reflect on your communication patterns. Share this episode with someone who may need it, and subscribe for more real-life conversations that strengthen your marriage. ✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛

Feeling disconnected from your spouse? You're not alone. Life’s busy seasons — raising kids, careers, and constant responsibilities — can slowly erode intimacy and connection. But what if one of the most effective ways to reignite your relationship was simpler than you thought? In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we explore how taking intentional time away together — whether a weekend staycation or a full-blown getaway — can deeply impact your marriage. It may be surprising, but intentional time together has been shown to help: Rekindle intimacy Improve communication Increase relationship satisfaction Build lasting memories that strengthen your bond If your marriage feels dry or disconnected, this episode is your permission slip to prioritize your relationship and make time for just the two of you. Let’s dive in! ✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛   Resources Mentioned: Research from U.S. Travel Association: Travel Effect Project 2024 Study: Kim et al. — Annals of Tourism Research: Couples who travel together experience lasting improvements in relationship satisfaction, intimacy, and communication. Hammitt, William E. (2000). Couples and Recreation: Benefits of Shared Leisure Experiences. Leisure Sciences Graham, J. M., & Conoley, C. W. (2006). The Relationship Benefits of Shared Leisure Activities: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we’re tackling one of the most crucial issues couples face—trust. Whether you’re working to rebuild trust after betrayal or simply want to maintain a strong, healthy foundation, this conversation is for you. Join Duane and Nadine as they explore: What causes trust to break down in a marriage How to rebuild trust one brick at a time The power of consistency and overcommunication How transparency, follow-through, and grace build long-term security Why impatience can sabotage the healing process Faith-based encouragement for couples walking through trust issues If you've ever wondered how to move forward after dishonesty, or how to protect the trust you already have, this honest and hope-filled conversation will give you the tools and perspective you need. ✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛

Do money conversations in your marriage feel more like battlegrounds than building blocks? You're not alone—and today’s guests are here to help. In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage Podcast, we’re joined by Dan and Kay Ockey, financial coaches and founders of Centsei Financial, who open up about their journey from debt, secrecy, and daily arguments… to building a thriving financial coaching practice—and a stronger marriage—together. You’ll learn: Why most financial fights are not really about money The weekly habit that can radically improve your relationship and your bank account How to rebuild trust after financial mistakes or hidden spending What shared financial responsibility actually looks like in a healthy Christian marriage How to start money conversations with your spouse—even if it feels awkward or tense Dan and Kay don’t just share theory—they walk you through the exact system they used (and now teach others) to reduce stress, eliminate confusion, and create financial unity in marriage. 🎁 Free Gift for Our Listeners Want to stop fighting about money and start building your future—together? Dan and Kay are offering our listeners a FREE budgeting class that breaks down the same principles and tools they’ve used to help over 1,100 households find financial clarity and peace. 📲 Sign up for the free class here: 👉 https://www.centseifinance.com/duane-and-nadine-a-purpose-driven-marriage/ Whether you’re just starting out or trying to recover from past money wounds, this class will give you the practical steps to move forward with confidence and unity.

If you've ever found yourself overwhelmed by the countless invisible tasks of running a home and family, you're not alone. This week on A Purpose Driven Marriage, we’re joined by author and relationship expert Dr. Morgan Cutlip for an eye-opening conversation about the mental load—what it is, why it disproportionately affects women, and how it silently strains marriages. Dr. Morgan unpacks the emotional toll of carrying the mental load and offers compassionate, research-based tools for couples who want to create a better balance at home. From understanding why women often absorb more of the household responsibilities, to practical ways to bring your spouse into the conversation without blame, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and real solutions. We also dive into her new book, A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex, where Dr. Morgan helps couples tackle mental load for more connection, less resentment, and yes—even better sex. Whether you’re a wife who feels unseen or a husband who wants to better understand and support your spouse, this episode will deepen your empathy and strengthen your relationship. 🟡 In This Episode, We Cover: What the mental load really is—and how to recognize it Why women tend to carry the bulk of it (even when both partners work) How the mental load impacts emotional and sexual intimacy The parent-child dynamic that drains desire and closeness A powerful script for starting the “mental load” conversation without conflict Why “oneness” means tackling this challenge together Dr. Morgan’s heart behind writing A Better Share 📚 About Our Guest: Dr. Morgan Cutlip Dr. Morgan Cutlip is an author, relationship expert, and cofounder of MyLoveThinks.com. Known for her down-to-earth and research-backed approach, she empowers couples to navigate the hardest parts of relationships with clarity and compassion. Dr. Morgan holds a master’s in Human Development and Family Science and a doctorate in Counseling Psychology. She’s the author of Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself and her latest book, A Better Share, releases nationwide April 8, 2025. Follow her on Instagram at @drmorgancutlip and learn more at www.drmorgancutlip.com. 🎧 Resources Mentioned: 📘 Get your copy of A Better Share 🔗 Learn more and follow Dr. Morgan: https://drmorgancutlip.com 📲 Follow her on Instagram: @drmorgancutlip 🙌 Share This Episode Know someone who’s carrying more than their share of the mental load? Send them this episode! Let’s help more couples understand the invisible weight—and how to lighten it together.

Is your marriage built to last—or to be left when it no longer meets your expectations? This week on A Purpose Driven Marriage, we’re unpacking a foundational question: 👉 Are you living out your marriage as a contract… or a covenant? In a culture that glorifies self-fulfillment and exits at the first sign of discomfort, we’re diving into the difference between the world’s view of marriage and God’s design. Through candid conversation, biblical truth, coaching insights, and real-life reflection, Duane and Nadine walk you through: What it means to have a contractual mindset vs. a covenantal mindset How contract-thinking leads to insecurity, conditional love, and emotional distance What the Bible teaches about covenant love (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5, Malachi 2:14) Why covenant love is about giving, not receiving How even secular studies—including those from Dr. John Gottman—support the benefits of covenant-style commitment How your view of marriage shapes your communication, intimacy, and long-term resilience Why covenant marriages don’t just bless the couple—they shape generations   🔑 Key Takeaways Contract marriages say: “If you do this, I’ll do that.” Covenant marriages say: “Even if you don’t, I’m still here.” God's model for marriage is sacrificial, not transactional. The covenant mindset provides security, purpose, and spiritual alignment. You can shift from self-protection to selfless love—and your marriage will thrive for it. 🕰️ Timestamps (for YouTube or show description) 0:00 – Intro: Marriage by God’s Design 2:45 – Culture’s Contractual View of Marriage 6:15 – “I’ll stay as long as I’m happy” – The Danger of Conditions 9:00 – How a contract mindset creates emotional insecurity 12:40 – What is a covenant marriage, really? 14:00 – God’s blueprint: Ephesians 5 & sacrificial love 17:30 – When one spouse is struggling—what covenant commitment looks like 20:50 – Even if you’re not a Christian, covenant principles still apply 21:45 – Research: Commitment = Relationship Success (Gottman, UVA, JFP) 24:00 – “Interested” vs. “Committed” mindsets 30:00 – Choosing love rooted in God, not performance 32:00 – A marriage that builds legacy for generations 34:00 – Listener challenge + closing encouragement   ✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛

After 26 years of marriage, I’ve learned a lot—about love, family, communication, intimacy, faith, and what it really means to grow through every season together. In this heartfelt episode, I’m sharing 26 real, honest, and practical tips I’d give to any wife who wants a stronger, more connected, and purpose-driven marriage. Some are serious. Some are funny. All of them are real-life tested and come from lessons I’ve learned as a wife, a mother, and a woman determined to keep building a marriage that thrives. Whether you’ve been married two years or twenty, there’s something here for you. 💡 In this episode, you’ll hear: ✔️ Why your marriage foundation matters more than anything ✔️ The truth about sex and connection after decades together ✔️ How to fight fair and know when to call a timeout ✔️ Why your husband needs to feel respected, appreciated, and desired ✔️ The power of believing the best about your spouse ✔️ How friendship, support, and laughter make all the difference ✔️ And so much more… 💖 This episode is for every wife who’s serious about building a marriage that lasts. And if you’ve got a notebook nearby, you might want to take a few notes!   👥 Let’s Connect! 💌 What’s one tip that’s helped you in your marriage? Hit reply and share—I’d love to hear from you. ✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛

🎉 We’re celebrating 26 years of marriage! 🎉 In this special anniversary episode, Duane shares 26 powerful lessons he’s learned as a husband over the past 26 years of marriage. From leadership and communication to the importance of date nights, conflict resolution, and even why sharing food is an act of love (apparently!), this episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and real-life marriage truths. If you're a husband, this is your must-listen playbook for growing in marriage. And wives—feel free to share this with your spouse! Who knows? He might just pick up a few gems. 😉 🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: ✔️ The #1 thing every wife wants from her husband (even if she doesn’t say it!) ✔️ Why saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t make you weak—it makes you a better man ✔️ The surprising connection between chores and romance (hint: “choreplay” is a real thing!) ✔️ How to keep your wife feeling loved and cherished—even after decades together ✔️ The importance of protecting your marriage from outside influences ✔️ And so much more! We’d love to hear from you! Husbands, what’s a marriage lesson you’ve learned that has strengthened your relationship? Drop us a comment or send us a message! 📌 Stay Tuned! Next week, Nadine will share her 26 lessons from 26 years of marriage! You don’t want to miss it. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! ✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛

Do you ever feel like you and your spouse are two ships passing in the night? Between work, kids, responsibilities, and life’s never-ending demands, finding quality time together can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be that way! In this episode, we’re sharing five powerful, time-management hacks to help busy couples stay connected and keep their marriage thriving—even when life gets hectic. From weekly marriage meetings to no-tech family time, these strategies will help you prioritize your relationship without sacrificing your responsibilities. Whether you’re juggling careers, parenting, or just struggling to find quality time together, these tips will help you make time for love, deepen your connection, and create a marriage that lasts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why busyness can trick you into feeling productive while damaging your relationship ✅ The #1 mindset shift that makes balancing love and life easier ✅ 5 time-saving hacks to ensure you stay connected with your spouse ✅ Practical ways to schedule and protect quality couple time ✅ How to automate, delegate, and outsource to create more margin for love Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! ✨ Follow us on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛  

Hey friends! 👋 It’s just me today—Duane is out of town—but I’m excited to spend this time with you because we’re talking about something that comes up all the time in my coaching sessions: those frustrating, never-ending arguments that go absolutely nowhere. You know the ones—where you and your spouse keep going in circles, saying the same things, but somehow you’re both still frustrated and nothing actually gets resolved? 😩 Yeah, we’re getting to the bottom of that today! After working with hundreds of couples, I’ve seen the same patterns keep people stuck in these unproductive arguments. And in this episode, I’m breaking down the four biggest communication roadblocks that lead to these cycles—plus how you and your spouse can overcome them together. What You’ll Walk Away With Today: 💡 Why men tend to go into "fix-it" mode while women want to process—and how to bridge the gap 💡 The "intentions vs. impact" trap—why good intentions don’t always equal good communication 💡 How couples often fight about completely different things without realizing it (seriously, this happens ALL the time!) 💡 Why it’s hard to see past your own emotions when you’re upset—and how to create space for BOTH of you to be heard Listen, communication is a skill—it’s not something we’re all just born knowing how to do. But that means it’s something we can learn and get better at! So if you’re ready to break the cycle of frustrating, never-ending arguments, this episode is for you. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! ✨ Follow me on Instagram & TikTok (@apurposedrivenmarriage) for daily marriage tips ✨ Want to work together? Book a coaching session at https://apurposedrivenmarriage.com/ ✨ Found this helpful? Send it to a friend or leave a review! It seriously means so much 💛 🎧 Press play and let’s work on having more productive, meaningful conversations in your marriage!

Is your marriage slowly drifting apart without you realizing it? In this powerful episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we sit down with David and Meg Robbins to discuss the three biggest threats that can weaken any marriage—and, more importantly, how to fight back and stay connected. At the time of this interview, David was the president of Family Life, but since then, he has stepped into a new role as the president of Campus Crusade for Christ International and Cru. While his title has changed, his heart for strengthening marriages remains the same. David and Meg share deep insights, biblical wisdom, and real-life stories to help couples recognize and overcome: ✅ The Internal Threat – How our own selfishness and busyness create distance ✅ The External Threat – The hidden influences (like technology and culture) pulling couples apart ✅ The Invisible Threat – The spiritual battle against oneness in marriage Plus, they introduce the newly reimagined Art of Marriage series, designed to help couples strengthen their relationship through faith-centered community. 🎙️ Tune in to hear: ✔️ How to identify if one of these threats is affecting your marriage ✔️ Simple, practical ways to reconnect and stay united ✔️ Why your marriage matters beyond just the two of you—it can change the world! 🔗 Resources & Links: Family Life Website: www.familylife.com The Art of Marriage Follow Family Life on Instagram: @familylifeinsta Weekend to Remember 👉 Did this episode resonate with you? Share it with another couple and tag us on Instagram @apurposedrivenmarriage!

Are your in-laws a little too involved in your marriage? Do you or your spouse feel like you're competing for attention, struggling with boundaries, or dealing with a parent who just won’t let go? You're not alone! In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we dive into the challenges of unhealthy parental attachments—when in-laws mean well but unintentionally create tension, division, and conflict in a marriage. We’ll help you recognize the signs, understand the impact, and most importantly, set healthy boundaries without starting a family feud. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Common signs of unhealthy parent-child attachment in marriage ✅ How this dynamic creates loyalty conflicts and weakens connection ✅ Biblical wisdom on leaving and cleaving (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:7) ✅ Practical strategies to set firm but loving boundaries ✅ How to redirect in-law relationships while protecting your marriage ✅ What to do when boundaries are ignored or met with resistance Let’s Connect: 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @APurposeDrivenMarriage 📧 Have a question or story to share? Email us at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com 💌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Valentine's Day is often associated with roses, chocolates, and fancy dinners—but it doesn’t have to be about spending big or doing the same old thing. In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, Duane and Nadine share 7 creative ideas to rekindle the romance and make your Valentine’s Day (or any day) extra special. Whether you're planning a fun scavenger hunt, reminiscing on cherished memories, or learning to dance together, these thoughtful and playful ideas will help you reconnect and celebrate your love in meaningful ways. Plus, hear about some personal stories from Duane and Nadine’s own relationship as they dive into each idea, showing how you can build intimacy and joy—no matter the day! In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to create a memory lane date that celebrates your unique journey together The benefits of writing heartfelt love letters and why it's a perfect Valentine’s tradition Fun and easy ways to plan a tech-free day focused on deepening conversation How a DIY spa day or even a dance class can spice up your Valentine’s celebration The importance of focusing on love every day, not just on Valentine’s Day Creative Ideas for a Special Valentine’s: Memory Lane Date: Revisit places from your past and look through old photos or memorabilia. Cooking Class Together: Learn a new recipe together and enjoy the bonding experience. Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt: Leave little notes or gifts to surprise your spouse throughout the day. Write Love Letters: Express your feelings through heartfelt words and read them to each other. Tech-Free Day: Spend the day fully focused on each other with fun games and deep conversations. DIY Spa Day: Pamper each other with massages, facials, and candles to set a romantic mood. Dance Class (or App Dance Challenge): Take a dance lesson or try some fun choreography at home. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe and leave a review! We’d love to hear how you and your spouse are celebrating Valentine’s Day, or any creative ways you nurture your relationship year-round. Let’s Connect: 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @APurposeDrivenMarriage 📧 Have a question or story to share? Email us at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com 💌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! Happy Valentine’s Day!

  Episode Description: In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage Podcast, Duane and Nadine Stewart dive into the transformative concept of the Five Love Languages. Rooted in Dr. Gary Chapman’s groundbreaking book The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, they explore how understanding and speaking your spouse's love language can lead to fewer conflicts, deeper emotional connections, and greater marital satisfaction. 💖 You'll hear relatable stories, expert-backed insights, and actionable tips on how to identify and speak your spouse's love language effectively—even when it feels unnatural at first. What You'll Learn: ✅ The Five Love Languages: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch ✅ Why we naturally express love the way we want to receive it—and how that can create misunderstandings ✅ Practical examples of how couples can align their love expressions ✅ Research-based insights into the benefits of love language communication ✅ Tips to discover your spouse’s primary love language Episode Highlights: [00:03:45] How Dr. Gary Chapman’s counseling experience led to identifying love language mismatches [00:10:22] Real-life couple stories where love languages created breakthroughs [00:20:11] Discovering your spouse’s love language by observing their behavior and complaints [00:27:00] How love languages impact conflict resolution and emotional connection Challenge of the Week: Take 10 minutes with your spouse to discuss your love languages. Don’t know them yet? Take the quiz together! Links are in the show notes. Once you discover each other's love languages, talk about practical ways to show love that resonates deeply. Resources Mentioned: 📚 The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman  🧩 Take the Love Language Quiz Let’s Connect: 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @APurposeDrivenMarriage 📧 Have a question or story to share? Email us at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com 💌 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

What if we told you that one of the secrets to a thriving marriage lies in one simple—but often overlooked—skill? In this episode of A Purpose Driven Marriage, we dive into the transformative power of listening to understand. Active listening isn’t just a corporate buzzword; it’s a game-changer for relationships. Research shows that couples who prioritize listening experience increased satisfaction, stronger emotional connections, and are less likely to divorce. Tune in as we share personal stories, practical strategies, and proven techniques to help you become a better listener in your marriage. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Difference Between Hearing and Listening to Understand Why your spouse needs more than a quick “I heard you.” How listening to understand builds trust and intimacy. The Science of Listening in Relationships Studies reveal that active listening can increase marital satisfaction by 30%. Emotional attunement: Why it’s key to resolving conflicts. Challenges to Effective Listening Overcoming distractions in our busy lives. Handling defensiveness and keeping emotions in check. Practical Tips to Improve Your Listening Skills Today The “Witnessing” technique to ensure your partner feels heard. Creating designated spaces for undistracted conversations. How to call a respectful “time out” when emotions run high.   Connect With Us: 🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage. 📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage. 💌 Email us at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com. Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

Does it feel like your communication with your spouse could use a tune-up? In this episode, we tackle five common communication mistakes couples often make—and, more importantly, how to fix them! From poor listening habits to unrealistic expectations, we’re breaking down the barriers to understanding and offering practical solutions to help you and your partner connect on a deeper level. Whether you've been married for decades or are newlyweds, this episode is packed with relatable scenarios, laughter, and actionable insights to strengthen your relationship. Key Takeaways: Poor Listening: Learn how to listen to understand rather than just respond, and why this skill is the ultimate relationship game-changer. Assuming Mind-Reading Abilities: Discover the importance of clear, direct communication and why your spouse isn’t a psychic! Reacting Emotionally Instead of Responding Thoughtfully: Master the art of pausing before reacting to create a more empathetic and constructive dialogue. Sweeping Issues Under the Rug: Find out how to address conflicts head-on while respecting each other's communication styles. Using Negative Communication Patterns: We dive into Dr. John Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” (criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling) and their antidotes to protect your marriage. Resources Mentioned: Communication Style Quiz: [Click here to take the quiz] Conflict Style Quiz: [Click here to take the quiz] Connect With Us: 🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage. 📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage. 💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com. Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

Do fights in your relationship leave you feeling disconnected, frustrated, or unsure of how to move forward? You’re not alone! In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of any marriage: resolving conflicts in a way that not only heals wounds but strengthens your bond. We dive into why conflict is a natural part of relationships and how it can become an opportunity to deepen connection. Learn our 5 proven steps to navigate post-fight resolution, from understanding your spouse’s perspective to rebuilding trust and creating a plan to avoid future misunderstandings. If you’ve ever struggled to truly move past an argument or want to transform conflict into growth, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways: Why Communication Issues Often Stem from Connection Problems – Discover how addressing disconnection can make communication smoother. The Power of Vulnerability and Empathy – Learn how to validate your spouse’s feelings and uncover the “need behind the need.” 5-Step Framework for Healing After a Fight: Step 1: Share your feelings without blame. Step 2: Describe your realities and perceptions calmly. Step 3: Use empathy and validation to connect. Step 4: Take responsibility for your role in the conflict. Step 5: Plan constructive ways to avoid repeating the same issues. Why Skipping Steps Can Sabotage Trust – Hear why jumping straight to “I’m sorry” without understanding the deeper issue can backfire. Connect With Us: 🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage. 📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage. 💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com. Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show!

As we close out another year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey you and your spouse have traveled together. In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of reminiscing and how looking back on shared memories can actually bring you closer as a couple. Whether it’s revisiting the day you first met, reflecting on challenges you’ve overcome, or celebrating the wins of the past year, reminiscing strengthens your connection and deepens your love. We’ll explore: Why reminiscing is often overlooked but vital for marital happiness. How to use shared memories to rebuild intimacy and rekindle your spark. Dr. John Gottman’s insights on reminiscing and its impact on emotional connection. Practical tips to reflect on your past year together and set the stage for an even stronger future. Grab a cozy spot, your favorite beverage, and your spouse—let’s reminisce and reconnect! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Science of Reminiscing: Why shared memories improve marital satisfaction and protect against negativity. The Reset Button Effect: How reflecting on your relationship’s “origin story” can reignite love and understanding. Overcoming Challenges Together: Using memories of tough times to foster gratitude, growth, and resilience. Practical Tools for Reflection: Thoughtful questions and exercises to start reminiscing with your spouse today. A Biblical Perspective: How remembering God’s faithfulness in your marriage can guide and inspire your journey forward. Key Quotes from the Episode: 💬 “Reminiscing isn’t just about the past—it’s a way to reconnect in the present and strengthen your bond for the future.” 💬 “When couples reflect on their shared journey, they rediscover their ‘why’ and reignite the love that brought them together in the first place.” Actionable Takeaways: Set aside time this week to reflect on 2024 with your spouse. Start with questions like, “What was our greatest challenge this year, and how did we grow from it?” Try creating an annual end-of-year tradition where you celebrate wins, reflect on lessons, and set goals for the year ahead. Keep it simple: Reminiscing doesn’t require a big production. A heartfelt conversation over coffee or a walk down memory lane with old photos can make a huge difference. Connect With Us: 🌐 Visit https://www.apurposedrivenmarriage.com for more resources on strengthening your marriage. 📲 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok: @apurposedrivenmarriage. 💌 Email us your favorite memory as a couple, or let us know how this episode resonated with you at nadine@apurposedrivenmarriage.com. Listen and Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. And if you loved this episode, leave us a review—it helps more couples find our show! Join the Conversation: What’s your favorite memory as a couple? Share it on social media and tag us with #MarriageReflections #ReminisceTogether

What if one simple habit could transform your marriage, deepen your connection with your spouse, and bring lasting peace to your relationship? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the life-changing practice of praying together as a couple. Join us as we explore: ✨ Why praying together strengthens your bond and invites God into your marriage. ✨ The powerful findings from the 1997 Gallup study on prayer and marriage (hint: couples who pray together have a divorce rate of less than 1%!). ✨ Practical tips for starting a prayer routine, even if it feels intimidating or awkward at first. ✨ How prayer fosters intimacy, trust, and unity—even in tough seasons of life. We also share personal stories from our own marriage, including a season when prayer brought us closer together during one of the hardest times we’ve faced. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep God at the center of your relationship or felt unsure about how to start praying as a couple, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Biblical foundation for praying as a couple. Research-backed benefits of prayer in marriage. Simple, practical steps to start praying together daily. How to overcome common roadblocks to couple prayer. Resources and References Mentioned: 📖 Scripture Highlights: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – "Pray without ceasing." Romans 8:26 – The Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us. 📊 Studies Cited: 1997 Gallup study on divorce rates among couples who pray together. 2010 Study from University of Texas at San Antonio "The Couple That Prays Together: Race and Ethnicity, Religion, and Relationship Quality Among Working-Age Adults" 💡 Recommended Reading: Atomic Habits by James Clear (for building consistent habits). Challenge of the Week: Take five minutes this week to pray with your spouse. Whether it’s before bed, in the car, or over coffee, start small and stay consistent. Trust us—it’s worth it! Connect With Us: 🌐 Visit our website 📸 Follow us on Instagram Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcast or wherever you listen to your podcasts! It helps us reach more couples and share the message of Christ-centered marriage.